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Long‐term clinical outcome of single implants inserted flaplessly or conventionally
Author(s) -
Naeini Emitis N.,
Dierens Melissa,
Atashkadeh Mandana,
De Bruyn Hugo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical implant dentistry and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.338
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1708-8208
pISSN - 1523-0899
DOI - 10.1111/cid.12654
Subject(s) - medicine , implant , dentistry , osseointegration , prospective cohort study , radiography , abutment , surgery , civil engineering , engineering
Background Flapless implant surgery is mostly performed using guided surgical protocols, however, long‐term studies on free‐handed flapless surgery for single implants are lacking. Purpose This prospective study evaluates bone level changes, peri‐implant health, and complications of solitary implants placed using a conventional flap (F) or flaplessly (FL) after 6‐9 years. Materials and Methods Fifty‐three single TiUnite Brånemark implants were originally inserted in 49 patients using an one‐stage delayed loading protocol with flap ( n = 27, F) or flaplessly ( n = 26, FL) based on available bone volume and surgeon's decision‐making. Thirty‐six patients with 37 implants participated in the prospective follow‐up investigation 6‐9 years later whereby survival, bone level changes, peri‐implant health, and complications were assessed. Results After 88 months (range 76‐107), all implants were survived. For F and FL combined, the overall average radiographic bone level was above the first implant thread, 1.26 mm apical of the implant‐abutment junction (SD 1.08; 0‐4.9) and statistically comparable. Bone loss from time of loading was 0.49 mm (SD 1.1; −1.3 to 2.8) for F and −0.89 mm (SD 1.0; −2.8 to 0.7) for FL ( P < .01), suggesting regrowth of bone in FL due to initial countersinking. One implant (2.7%) had a probing depth above 5 mm. Conclusion Free‐handed flapless implant surgery for single implants with neighboring teeth is a predictable long‐term treatment provided when there is sufficient bone volume.